My wife and I disagree on how deer in the south are small compared to the deer up in the north. I say it cause of the vast amou

[rudyglove27]

Agreed with evspence answer above and A + 1 for you sir!!!

[shane]

Example for high mass/low surface area for cold climate - whales.

Hot place, smaller version - Coues Deer.

[River Rat]

My college zoology is forty years past. but I remember a Roberts or Robertsons natural law that applies to all mammals. It states something like- within a given species as you move farther from the equator the larger the animal's body mass tends to be.

[hjohn429]

Don't tell your wife, but I think she is wrong and you are right. Del's answere explaines it all.

[Golfing Sportsman]

MLH, the exact same does apply to other animals. It is fact that a larger body has a lower surface area to mass ratio and a lower ratio means better heat retention in cold weather. We find this fact all over the place in nature, science, and even inside the human body.

[MLH]

So, shouldn't the same thing apply to the big cats? What about black bears?

[bowhunter123]

i must say i agree with you because of the different protiens and mineral intake they dont have the nutrition that they need to be as big as the deer up here

[Golfing Sportsman]

Del is on the right track, it really has to do with surface area to body mass ratio. A larger animal actually has a lower surface area to body mass ratio and therefore can retain heat better because there is less area for the heat to escape compared to the total mass of the animal. The smaller deer has a higher ratio and this helps it stay cool because there is more area to release heat.

[Beekeeper]

Del is correct. It is related to holding body heat more effectively. But good food resources help out also. It is not uncommon to see deer here in the south exceed 200 pounds or even more in areas of good habitat where they do not exceed carrying capacity. There is an Island off of our coast where deer were not hunted and allowed to over populate. When hunts were allowed to begin the average size of the deer was 25 - 30 lbs live weight. After 20 plus years of management the average size is over 70.

[VT Outdoorsman]

Genetics.

[KingFisher907]

jinx clay cooper lol!

[KingFisher907]

Del in KS said it best...
biology dictates that larger bodied animals stay warmer longer...

[bonnier-admin_2]

Del in KS said it best!

GOOD JOB DEL!!

[60256]

The weather being colder in the north is why. Also, the reason why deer in south tend to live longer is because they don't have to deal with the harsh winters.

Nate

[Del in KS]

Biologists say it has to do with the weather being colder as you go North. Larger animals maintain body heat more efficiently. On the other hand smaller animals are better at handling the heat down South. The smallest Whitetails are the Florida Key deer.